Customizable dauber and method of manufacture distribution

ABSTRACT

A dauber is provided with image customization. A primary feature of the dauber is that it includes an external image applied to the outside of the cylindrical body. The image, may be a vinyl printed image. Further, the image may be digitally generated and printed, being applied as an adhesive or otherwise laminated label to the cylindrical body. Further, a method of manufacture and distribution of the customizable dauber is provided. The method may include an ordering and customization system requiring a customer to order a dauber, upload an image to be applied to the dauber, and receive the dauber corresponding to the order and specified customization.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of customization methods and more specifically relates to customized bingo daubers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Bingo daubers are writing utensils optimized for marking scores on bingo cards. Generally, when a bingo player marks a bingo square, they do this by applying a circle of ink around the bingo square's number. This is usually done by specialized bingo daubers. However. daubers are generally unornamented, dull, and may be disposable. Accordingly. daubers lack personalization and sentimental value. Further. there is no convenient commercial means of obtaining personalized daubers. Therefore, a suitable solution is desired.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in customization method art. Among these are found in: U.S. Patent and Publication Nos. 6.327,048; 2005/0061430; 2010/0257210; 7,343,320, and 6,845.365. this prior art is representative of customization methods.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination. is seen to describe the invention as claimed. Thus, a need exists for a reliable customizable dauber and method of manufacture and distribution. and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by presenting a new dauber and a method of customizing daubers through a customer order system. The present invention is superior to other systems in that it effectively enables customers to customize bingo daubets using personalized photos and images.

There is disclosed a customizable marker or dauber. particularly of the type used by bingo players to mark bingo sheets. The dauber may be part of a system for creating custom bingo dauber bottles with images applied to the dauber bottles. The system may include an ordering process involving image collection, label application, and delivery. The order process may be enacted through a website. via phone, or by email in various embodiments. Once the customer gives their choice of color, quantity, custom size, etc. they then provide a graphic that can be applied to the daubers. The images may be automatically or manually formatted to a size that will fit the custom labels that will be applied to the daubers. The label application process can be done by machine or may be done manually. Files may be saved in a digital database for future repeat orders. Additional features may include company logos, custom dauber sizes, and selectable colors for the ink, dauber body, and dauber cap, either individually or collectively. Delivery can be done by standard mail services. A potential tradename may be “MeDaubers”.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which arc intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present invention, the customizable dauber and method of manufacture and distribution, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a customizable dauber showing, a dauber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating the customizable dauber comprising the dauber and cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the customizable dauber with the customizable images applied according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an implementation of the method of manufacture and distribution of the customizable dauber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a customizable dauber and method of manufacture and distribution.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the customizable dauber and method of manufacture and distribution may comprise a dauber, a system for customization of the dauber, and one or more associated methods.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a customizable dauber. Each dauber may have a cylindrical body containing an interior cavity. The cylindrical body may be rigid and, non-porous and may be constructed of plastic. The interior cavity may be a reservoir able to contain an ink. Particularly, the dauber may contain an ink suitable for use in marking bingo cards. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with a marking device. The marking device may be a porous, sponge-like, coarse tip which is attached to one end of the cylindrical body. A cap may be able to releasably fasten to the end of the cylindrical body in such a way that it covers, and protects the marking device. Further, the cap may seal suitably to prevent the marking device from drying out. The marking device may be able to absorb and dispense the ink until the reservoir is empty. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be refillable,

Referring now to FIG. 2 showing a top view of the customizable dauber and method of manufacture and distribution. As shown, the dauber may be substantially cylindrical, such that a bottom and a top are circular. The top of the dauber may be domed in sonic embodiments. The dauber may come with a custom color cap for covering the marking device of the dauber when not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the dauber with image customization. A primary feature of the dauber is that it includes an external image applied to the outside of the cylindrical body. The image may be a vinyl printed image. Further, the image may be digitally generated and printed, being applied as an adhesive or otherwise laminated label to the cylindrical body. For example, the image may be a photograph taken by a digital camera, or scanned to a digital file, before being printed on the label. In some embodiments, features may be added to the label additionally to the image. such as text or indicia.

FIG. 4 shows an implementation of the method of manufacture and distribution of the customizable dauber according to an embodiment of the present invention. Disclosed is a method of manufacture of the dauber. The method of manufacture may first include generating a digital image. This image may be generated by a digital camera, a digital scanner, a photo-editing software, or other digital means. Optionally, the image may be digitally modified, augmented, or ornamented with additional design features, such as borders, text, logos, and other features. The method of manufacture may further include printing the image. Preferably, the image is printed to a label, such as a vinyl label. Yet further, the method of manufacture may include applying the image-label to the dauber to create a final product consisting of an image-customized bingo dauber.

Also disclosed is a method of ordering, customization, and distribution. The ordering method may include providing a user interface enabling users to personally or virtually customize the dauber. This may be accomplished by an online marketplace, for example. In such an implementation, a user or customizes may select a dauber product, upload an image, optionally modify or augment the image, and place an order for the dauber, such that the dauber is customized as specified with the image and modifications indicated via the customer on the online marketplace. Subsequently, the ordered dauber may be produced, and then shipped or otherwise delivered to the customer. The method may further incorporate a business system of advertising and charging customers for the customizable bingo daubers.

The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the customizable dauber and method of manufacture and distribution may vary upon manufacturing.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments) were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and, various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claim: 1) A customizable dauber and method of manufacture and distribution to provide a system for ordering bingo daubers customized with images essentially as described herein. 